Most employers have a specific dress code that all employees must follow. They understand that how you dress in the workplace can convey your credibility and competence to both coworkers and clients. The result is often an extremely strict dress code that nobody likes.
Studies show that clothing influences how others assess trustworthiness and capability even before words are spoken. Because of this, many employers create a narrow dress code that rewards conformity over individuality. This often limits the potential for self-expression. But being required to dress professionally doesn’t mean you need to disappear. Depending on how your dress code is defined, there are a variety of ways you can express yourself while meeting professional expectations.
Before you interpret descriptions and examples, talk to your manager or boss and get clarity. If you have a certain style in mind, ask them about it and show them a picture if needed. Doing this before you show up to work in your preferred attire will give you the boundaries needed to determine what you can and can’t wear.
If you’ve fallen into the trap of dressing more formal than needed, roll that back a bit into comfort. Excessive formality can project insecurity, but it’s also a point of unnecessary discomfort. Prioritizing your physical comfort will increase your confidence and keep you engaged at work.
If there are any particular items of clothing you feel define you, like a specific type of jacket or shoe, get a few of these items in different colors or styles. These items will anchor your personality no matter what you wear.
Be ready to adapt your style
If you grow into a new role, be ready to adapt your style to match. You don’t need to suppress your personality, but it should be refined. As your responsibility in the company increases, you’ll want to focus more on clean lines and defined shapes to support your authority.
You don’t need to erase yourself to dress professionally
Every business has a reason for its dress code, and you’re getting paid to do the job and wear the uniform. However, dress codes can be met without abandoning your identity. Certain personal styles are compatible with credibility. The key is to know the rules and work within those boundaries.
1. Get a firm grasp on your company’s dress code specifics
The first thing you need to do is make sure you understand the dress code fully, down to every detail, including the socks and shoes you’re allowed to wear. Don’t just assume that you can wear a certain style because it isn’t explicitly banned. Some dress codes are stricter than what’s written in the employee manual.Before you interpret descriptions and examples, talk to your manager or boss and get clarity. If you have a certain style in mind, ask them about it and show them a picture if needed. Doing this before you show up to work in your preferred attire will give you the boundaries needed to determine what you can and can’t wear.
2. Distinguish between habits and rules
Sometimes dress code norms aren’t rules. Often, people who work for the same company tend to dress in certain colors out of habit, even though it’s not a requirement. For example, if everyone wears neutral colors, that doesn’t automatically mean other colors are off-limits.3. Use accessories as a form of expression
Small accessories can effectively communicate your personality without disrupting your overall look. For example, a simple leather sling bag can introduce texture and personal taste into an otherwise boring, professional outfit.4. Use color strategically
Color heavily influences how you’re perceived, but professional environments aren’t usually the right place for excessive and bright colors. If you want to add some color to your workwear, start with a neutral foundation like black, navy, gray, or brown. This will anchor in stability. Next, use accent colors like green, burgundy, or soft metallics to convey your personality. Choose your colors deliberately. You might prefer loud colors like bright red and orange, but you’ll need to go a little softer for work.5. Keep the familiar elements you love
Workplace dress codes can make you feel like you’re wearing a disguise, but there are ways to make a professional outfit comfortable and more personal. For example, look for attire that has the familiar elements you prefer. This might be minimalism, structure, or texture. It might even be a specific type of fabric like cotton or polyester.If you’ve fallen into the trap of dressing more formal than needed, roll that back a bit into comfort. Excessive formality can project insecurity, but it’s also a point of unnecessary discomfort. Prioritizing your physical comfort will increase your confidence and keep you engaged at work.
6. Build a small wardrobe with options
Once you find some clothes you can wear to express your personality, it’s time to collect a small wardrobe so you have options. Ideally, you’ll want to create interchangeable outfits so you’re not dependent on any one item being clean. This also allows you to be creative with what you wear, even within the structure of a dress code.If there are any particular items of clothing you feel define you, like a specific type of jacket or shoe, get a few of these items in different colors or styles. These items will anchor your personality no matter what you wear.
Be ready to adapt your style
If you grow into a new role, be ready to adapt your style to match. You don’t need to suppress your personality, but it should be refined. As your responsibility in the company increases, you’ll want to focus more on clean lines and defined shapes to support your authority.
You don’t need to erase yourself to dress professionally
Every business has a reason for its dress code, and you’re getting paid to do the job and wear the uniform. However, dress codes can be met without abandoning your identity. Certain personal styles are compatible with credibility. The key is to know the rules and work within those boundaries.